Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Posts related to shotguns.
Post Reply
gwattal
On the way to nirvana
On the way to nirvana
Posts: 83
Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:01 pm

Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by gwattal » Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:06 am

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36586493

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Indian-administered Kashmir used to be a thriving hub for factories that made guns for civilians. But as owning a gun has become increasingly difficult in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley, the industry has been in a steady decline in recent years, writes the BBC's Geeta Pandey in Srinagar.

It's mid-morning on a weekday, but the Zaroo Gun Factory in the city's Rainawari area wears a deserted look.

The machines are covered in dust, tools are lying unused and a couple of men sit around, waiting.

Until 2012, the factory produced 540 single-barrel and double-barrel rifles every year and each one of them was sold, says Nazir Ahmad Zaroo, one of the three owners of the factory.

"But in 2013, we could sell only 29 guns. In the last three years, we have not been able to sell a single gun," he says bitterly.

The guns were prized for their long butts made of walnut wood and many had leaves of Kashmir's famed Chinar trees carved on them.

Their customers included buyers from within the valley, who bought guns for hunting or self-defence, and dealers from other states, including Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Today, an occasional old customer walks in, looking to get an old gun repaired.

Mr Zaroo's family has been in the business since the "Mughal era" - he says his grandfather came to Kashmir from Pakistan before India's independence in 1947 at the invitation of the former ruler Maharaja Hari Singh for whom he made muzzle loading guns.

The present factory was set up in 1953 by Ghulam Ahmad Zaroo, Mr Zaroo's father.
Nazir Ahmad Zaroo says his family has been in the business of gun making since the "Mughal era"

"In its heyday, we employed about two dozen people, many of them were local, but some came from faraway places. The factory was bustling with activity," says manager Mohammad Shafi.

"If you'd visited us then, we would have paid you no attention, but today we have all the time in the world," he says.

The Zaroo Gun Factory is among the only two manufacturing units that remain in the valley today - the other being Subhana and Sons.

Before 1947, there were at least a dozen factories which employed hundreds of people. Over the years, most have shut down or shifted base to the state's Jammu region.

And with that, all the market has shifted to Jammu too.

"There are more than 30 gun factories in Jammu and their quotas have been increased massively. There are also hundreds of arms dealers there, so buyers from other states of India no longer come to us, they all go to Jammu," Subhana and Sons owner Zahoor Ahmed Ahangar told the BBC.

"We haven't sold any guns in the last two years," he added.

The factories produce single-barrel and double-barrel rifles used mostly for hunting
Today, they receive only a few repair jobs

Kashmir's gun industry was banned for two years from 1989-91 when a violent insurgency began against Indian rule in the region.

The ban was lifted in 1992, but traders say the number of guns they were allowed to produce was curtailed - Subhana saw its quota reduced to 300 guns from the earlier 700.

Established in 1925, the factory initially made hunting arrows, swords and daggers. In 1942, it got a license to make 12-bore rifles and began manufacturing guns.

Now, unable to find any buyers, the factory owners are contemplating shutting down.
Subhana and Sons owner Zahoor Ahmed Ahangar says all their clientele has shifted to Jammu

Burhan Zaroo says militants have never been interested in "our obsolete guns"

Mr Zaroo and Mr Ahangar say the authorities have not given any reason for why they are no longer issuing licenses to local people.

But, they feel that years of militancy and an unstable security environment in the region could be a reason behind the government's reluctance.

Burhan Zaroo, son of Nazir Ahmad Zaroo, says that, in 2013, they petitioned the state's home ministry to save the industry, and were assured of help, but nothing came of it.

"The fears of the security establishment are unfounded," he says. "Even at the peak of insurgency, the militants never bothered us. They are not interested in our obsolete guns. They have much more sophisticated weapons."

Adds Mr Ahangar: "The authorities must start issuing licenses to eligible people after verification, otherwise this industry will die. And that will be a shame."
Added in 2 minutes 8 seconds:
should be shot guns and not rifles. BBC should tone up.

For Advertising mail webmaster
goodboy_mentor
Old Timer
Old Timer
Posts: 2928
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:35 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by goodboy_mentor » Thu Jun 23, 2016 12:15 pm

From the given link of BBC news item -
"The fears of the security establishment are unfounded," he says. "Even at the peak of insurgency, the militants never bothered us. They are not interested in our obsolete guns. They have much more sophisticated weapons."
The fear, illogic and distrust of Kashmiri people by the security establishment is shameful. If they are to be feared and cannot be trusted, then how they can be claimed to be "integral" part of India?
"If my mother tongue is shaking the foundations of your State, it probably means that you built your State on my land" - Musa Anter, Kurdish writer, assassinated by the Turkish secret services in 1992

art_collector
Shooting true
Shooting true
Posts: 788
Joined: Wed Dec 27, 2006 11:53 pm
Location: DELHI

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by art_collector » Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:14 pm

When business principles change from trust to cheating......this is what happens to business.

veeveeaar
One of Us (Nirvana)
One of Us (Nirvana)
Posts: 417
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2010 3:03 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by veeveeaar » Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:10 pm

Kashmir is declared as a disturbed area , and making and selling guns will naturally be restricted.. I wonder why under Make in India initiative, the Central Govt is not encouraging civilian gun manufacturers in other parts of the country. We are upcoming shooting sports nation.
The Govt should encourage big players like Berretta, perrazzi and others to make JV in arms . it will make quality guns affordable and available to our budding shooters.

goodboy_mentor
Old Timer
Old Timer
Posts: 2928
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:35 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by goodboy_mentor » Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:00 am

art_collector wrote:When business principles change from trust to cheating......this is what happens to business.
If you could please elaborate a little more. Were the gun makers cheating their customers?
veeveeaar wrote:Kashmir is declared as a disturbed area , and making and selling guns will naturally be restricted.
Disturbed area or no disturbed area, the making and selling of guns is already unreasonably restricted all over India by implementation of Arms Act 1959 done in a sordidly perverted manner. Is the entire territory of Union of India a disturbed area(area under rebellion) or about to become a disturbed area? It appears the unreasonableness has reached special absurd heights in Kashmir. Those causing disturbances have access to all manner of illegal weapons like AK 47s, hand grenades, RDX etc. How preventing the common Kashmiris from owning obsolete guns like muzzle loaders or shot guns prevent disturbances? After all the arms licenses are issued by following the due process of law(rule of law) that includes a police report that checks the criminal records of the applicant. If they are being blindly prevented from owning guns, it is nothing but violation of due process of law(rule of law) under Arms Act 1959.

Right to keep and bear arms is a basic human right that has also been explicitly acknowledged by Articles 19(1)(b) and 25 of the Constitution of India. If basic human rights are violated, it is natural for people to rise in rebellion. Part III of the Indian Constitution is an inspiration from Universal Declaration of Human Rights. India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It's Preamble reflects what is embedded inside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights set forth from Article 1 to 30. The Preamble of Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledges the right to rebellion as a human right when it says "Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law," In short if you do not want "disturbed area", instead of having having rule by law, protect the human rights including the Right to Keep and Bear Arms by having rule of law. Rule of law and rule by law are the exact opposites.
"If my mother tongue is shaking the foundations of your State, it probably means that you built your State on my land" - Musa Anter, Kurdish writer, assassinated by the Turkish secret services in 1992

User avatar
mundaire
We post a lot
We post a lot
Posts: 5404
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 5:53 pm
Location: New Delhi, India
Contact:

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by mundaire » Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:58 pm

All of India is in fact disturbed, because all of India is still governed by a colonial style administration - including an oppressive police force.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Like & share IndiansForGuns Facebook Page
Follow IndiansForGuns on Twitter

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - JOIN NAGRI NOW!

www.gunowners.in

"Political tags - such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth - are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire." -- Robert Heinlein

tamancha
Learning the ropes
Learning the ropes
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:44 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by tamancha » Thu Jun 30, 2016 1:15 am

goodboy_mentor wrote:From the given link of BBC news item -
"The fears of the security establishment are unfounded," he says. "Even at the peak of insurgency, the militants never bothered us. They are not interested in our obsolete guns. They have much more sophisticated weapons."
The fear, illogic and distrust of Kashmiri people by the security establishment is shameful. If they are to be feared and cannot be trusted, then how they can be claimed to be "integral" part of India?
Just in a sentence why kashmiri people opposing the rehabilitation programs of the kashmiri migrants (pandit) who flew to other states of India to save their lives as well as the pride of their ladies.!!!

goodboy_mentor
Old Timer
Old Timer
Posts: 2928
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:35 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by goodboy_mentor » Sat Jul 02, 2016 5:33 pm

tamancha wrote:
goodboy_mentor wrote:From the given link of BBC news item -
"The fears of the security establishment are unfounded," he says. "Even at the peak of insurgency, the militants never bothered us. They are not interested in our obsolete guns. They have much more sophisticated weapons."
The fear, illogic and distrust of Kashmiri people by the security establishment is shameful. If they are to be feared and cannot be trusted, then how they can be claimed to be "integral" part of India?
Just in a sentence why kashmiri people opposing the rehabilitation programs of the kashmiri migrants (pandit) who flew to other states of India to save their lives as well as the pride of their ladies.!!!
How can anyone say that they cannot be allowed to return back to their homes or native places? When you are saying "Kashmiri people" do you mean all the Kashmiri people or the elected representatives of Kashmiri people or some individual Kashmiris? Also regardless of all this, are you trying to say that Kashmiri people have lost their inalienable human rights merely because of their political opinions?
"If my mother tongue is shaking the foundations of your State, it probably means that you built your State on my land" - Musa Anter, Kurdish writer, assassinated by the Turkish secret services in 1992

User avatar
russianshooter
Almost at nirvana
Almost at nirvana
Posts: 189
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:11 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by russianshooter » Sat Jul 02, 2016 7:44 pm

its gun may export?

goodboy_mentor
Old Timer
Old Timer
Posts: 2928
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:35 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by goodboy_mentor » Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:11 pm

russianshooter wrote:its gun may export?
Political policies of New Delhi are the hurdle.
"If my mother tongue is shaking the foundations of your State, it probably means that you built your State on my land" - Musa Anter, Kurdish writer, assassinated by the Turkish secret services in 1992

wildhoghunter
Learning the ropes
Learning the ropes
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:40 am

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by wildhoghunter » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:20 pm

tamancha wrote:
goodboy_mentor wrote:From the given link of BBC news item -
"The fears of the security establishment are unfounded," he says. "Even at the peak of insurgency, the militants never bothered us. They are not interested in our obsolete guns. They have much more sophisticated weapons."
The fear, illogic and distrust of Kashmiri people by the security establishment is shameful. If they are to be feared and cannot be trusted, then how they can be claimed to be "integral" part of India?
Just in a sentence why kashmiri people opposing the rehabilitation programs of the kashmiri migrants (pandit) who flew to other states of India to save their lives as well as the pride of their ladies.!!!
They have no rights

PRITAM PATEL
One of Us (Nirvana)
One of Us (Nirvana)
Posts: 272
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:44 am
Location: Ahmedabad

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by PRITAM PATEL » Fri Sep 23, 2016 10:58 am

mundaire wrote:All of India is in fact disturbed, because all of India is still governed by a colonial style administration - including an oppressive police force.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
I agree,
In our Nation there is no way intellectual or deserved are given opportunity , only greedy and influenced are sitting on hip of all the resources and opportunities.

Elite have all the freedom and opportunities, rest are being governed to serve them

regards

Pritam Patel
"Men like us don't deserve to die in the bed, field would be a batter option"

Optional : Proper inglish n gramer

goodboy_mentor
Old Timer
Old Timer
Posts: 2928
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:35 pm

Re: Why Kashmir's gun factories are shutting down

Post by goodboy_mentor » Fri Sep 23, 2016 1:58 pm

PRITAM PATEL wrote:In our Nation there is no way intellectual or deserved are given opportunity , only greedy and influenced are sitting on hip of all the resources and opportunities.

Elite have all the freedom and opportunities, rest are being governed to serve them
What you are saying is the candid truth. This truth has been kept hidden all these years by contrary media propaganda. It is now due to internet, the citizens have freedom to get whatever information or ideas by few mouse clicks. Now they are gradually realizing the State that was hankering for liberty before 1947 does not allow liberty for it's own citizens except the smokescreen of freedom and liberty.

Before 1947 the politicians were making solemn promises and saying we will do this and do that after the British leave and we come to power. When the British left and they came to power, when reminded of their promises, they said now "times have changed"! Is it anything different now? They make so many solemn promises before elections and what happens once they win elections is well known to everybody.

Are the fundamental rights in the Constitution are only for decoration? Is the democracy only for a few and practically ineffective for many? How elections are won is well known to everybody. One thinker had said, those who vote do not decide anything, everything is decided by those who count the votes. Who counts the votes? Find the answer to this question yourself.

Political power was transferred by Indian Independence Act, 1947 on 15th August by the British colonial establishment. The heading is misleading. It means legally nothing, it is only name of the enactment. There is no mention of the word "independence" inside it. It talks of creating two dominions called India and Pakistan. Look up any dictionary and find the meaning of the word "dominion". Legally are we celebrating dominion creation day or independence day on 15th August?

Constitution is supposed to be based on solid moral principles and values. It ought not to be amended at the drop of the hat. In 200 years the American Constitution was amended hardly somewhere around 20 times. The Indian Constitution has been amended around 100 times in period of 60 -70 years like changing diapers of the baby, using the privilege to amend it. Where is the sanctity of the Constitution? Does the much touted "framework" of the Constitution really exists? It was said those people who value their privileges more than principles ultimately loose both. Isn't the same thing happening now?

The Government of India Act 1935 was passed by the British with the view to continue the colonial stranglehold and siphon off wealth. The Indian Constitution is the rehashed version of Government of India Act 1935. In law often the unstated premise is more important than the stated premise. Brilliant example of this is the Article 356 hidden deep down in the Constitution. It is based on "doctrine of pleasure". If any State government does not provide "pleasure" to the Central government, it can be dismissed. Is "pleasure" practically equal to money and control of resources? I do not know but apply your mind and reach your own conclusions. In other words the "doctrine of pleasure" also means the State government is not practically answerable to the people who voted it into power but is answerable to the Central government(before 1947 it was the colonial British Crown). Then why are we surprised at the mess and unrest in every nook and corner of this country and billions of dollars siphoned into Swiss banks and other offshore accounts when the moral foundation and linchpin to the governance is giving and taking "pleasure"?
"If my mother tongue is shaking the foundations of your State, it probably means that you built your State on my land" - Musa Anter, Kurdish writer, assassinated by the Turkish secret services in 1992

Post Reply